Jackson’s dishes up favorite foods

Published: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 03:05 PM.

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The operators of Jackson’s Cafeteria have made it their business for the past 40 years to send customers home with full and happy bellies.

The area staple was started by Sara and the late Bob Jackson and has remained in the family ever since. It’s maintained several locations over the years, but currently has a store in both Gastonia and Rock Hill. The Gastonia restaurant, one of the few cafeteria-style restaurants left in the area, has called the Akers Center home for the past five years.

“Gaston’s always been our bread and butter,” said Nancy Martin, comptroller of Jackson’s Cafeteria in Gastonia and daughter of Bob and Sara Jackson.

Jackson’s feeds about 4,000 people a week, and some people eat there every day or even twice a day. Some have even been raised on Jackson’s food, Martin said.

Dave Martin, manager and son-in-law of the Jacksons, said it’s the affordable prices, quality service and homemade food that have kept customers coming back over the years. Everything is made from scratch right at the restaurant.

David said the recipes have mostly stayed the same over the years, with many coming from S&W Café, where Bob Jackson worked before opening his own business. Some of the recipes are more than 60 years old. But don’t expect to find out what’s in your favorite dishes … Jackson’s recipes are top secret.

The operators of Jackson’s Cafeteria have made it their business for the past 40 years to send customers home with full and happy bellies.

The area staple was started by Sara and the late Bob Jackson and has remained in the family ever since. It’s maintained several locations over the years, but currently has a store in both Gastonia and Rock Hill. The Gastonia restaurant, one of the few cafeteria-style restaurants left in the area, has called the Akers Center home for the past five years.

“Gaston’s always been our bread and butter,” said Nancy Martin, comptroller of Jackson’s Cafeteria in Gastonia and daughter of Bob and Sara Jackson.

Jackson’s feeds about 4,000 people a week, and some people eat there every day or even twice a day. Some have even been raised on Jackson’s food, Martin said.

Dave Martin, manager and son-in-law of the Jacksons, said it’s the affordable prices, quality service and homemade food that have kept customers coming back over the years. Everything is made from scratch right at the restaurant.

David said the recipes have mostly stayed the same over the years, with many coming from S&W Café, where Bob Jackson worked before opening his own business. Some of the recipes are more than 60 years old. But don’t expect to find out what’s in your favorite dishes … Jackson’s recipes are top secret.

Customers will find standard dishes on the lineup as well as daily variations. Some of Jackson’s most popular foods are roast beef, country fried steak, fried chicken and chicken and dumplings. Other items on the menu include meatloaf, beef tips and rice, turkey and ham, as well as 14 vegetables. And on Thanksgiving, customers can have a holiday dinner at the restaurant or order it to go. Last year, 175 turkey boxes were sold.

Nancy said they have tried to emphasize that customers can eat healthy at Jackson’s. For example, they offer baked as well as fried fish and chicken and cook some items in olive oil instead of margarine.

However, eating healthy would mean passing on the desserts … and that could be nearly impossible. Bob Jackson’s specialty was baking, and Jackson’s continues to carry plenty of sweets.

“The desserts are to die for,” Nancy said.

Cobbler, banana pudding, sugar free strawberry pie, egg custard pie, pecan pie, red velvet and carrot cake are just a few of the many options.

Readers share their favorites at Jackson’s Cafeteria

When The Gazette asked Facebook fans about their favorite things to eat Jackson’s, the response was overwhelming. About 33 “likes” and 70 enthusiastic comments poured in, many with multiple exclamation points. Several readers who couldn’t make up their minds simply said “everything.” Here are some of responses:

“They have the best cabbage I have ever had in my life!” — Kathleen Sowersby

“Chicken and dumplings and mac and cheese. I have to get it every time.” — Sabrina Anderson

“Their baked whiting fish is wonderful. I could eat it every day. And their steamed cabbage is great. I try to eat there at least once a week but have been known to eat the more at times.” — Angie Conner

“Oh my, hands down it is the chicken and dumplings. I love them; my grandchildren love them. All their food is good, but my favorite is the dumplings. They make them like my mom used to when she was still with us. So, it’s a great walk down memory lane with every bite.” — Donna Avagliano

“Their jalapeño cornbread is THE BEST! I live in Louisiana, but visit N.C. every three months, and I always make a stop, or two, at Jackson’s in Gastonia!” — Kahuna Ric

“Hands down, the cobbler! I like the country style steak too!” — Joan Painter